Supreme Court Considers Game-Changing Move for Deaf Advocate’s Inclusivity
Last Updated on October 7, 2023 by News Desk
In a promising move aimed at enhancing accessibility and inclusivity within the Indian judicial system, the Supreme Court Registry is poised to review an application tomorrow. This application, thoughtfully put forth by Advocate-on-Record Sanchita Ain, seeks a court-appointed Indian Sign Language (ISL) interpreter to assist the accomplished deaf advocate, Sarah Sunny.
What’s worth noting is that Ain, who serves as Sunny’s senior in the legal profession, had previously taken it upon herself to arrange for an interpreter, Saurav Roychowdhury, ensuring the smooth translation of legal proceedings before the Chief Justice of India’s bench for Sunny.
In a recent conversation with Live Law, Advocate Ain shed light on the considerable financial and logistical challenges often encountered by junior lawyers and newcomers in the legal field when striving to secure interpreter services. She explained how interpreters commonly charge by the hour, necessitating breaks every 30 minutes.
Consequently, to ensure a deaf lawyer’s comprehensive understanding of a case lasting an hour or more, two interpreters had to be engaged, each billing on an hourly basis. This financial burden, she emphasized, posed a significant challenge for any lawyer in need of an interpreter.
Taking a commendable step towards addressing these pressing challenges, Ain has now officially submitted an application to the Supreme Court Registrar under Order V Rule 11 of the Supreme Court Rules, 2013.
This rule empowers the Registrar to handle applications for the appointment and approval of translators or interpreters. It’s noteworthy that historically, the Supreme Court has never appointed an interpreter at its own expense. This development represents a significant stride towards fostering greater inclusivity and accessibility in the Indian judicial system.
Written by — Athi Venkatesh
